Introduced in 1868, 'Zephirine Drouhin' is a romantic, fantastically fragrant, old-fashioned Rose that is still one of the most popular Climbing Roses today, especially in Europe. No Modern Rose has been able to exceed it for sheer performance and season-long bloom.

Peaking in spring and fall, the loose, semi-double blossoms of vivid cerise-carmine provide outstanding mass effect. Each bloom is about 4 inches across, opening from a long, pointed bud and made up of 20 to 30 richly colored petals that are infused with a strong damask scent.

The plant grows vigorously to 15 to 20 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide and, remarkable for any Rose, performs well in shade! It's an excellent choice for north-facing walls and areas with little sunlight.

The rich, dark green foliage (coppery-purple when young) is very mildew-resistant, and the canes are thornless, making it great for planting where traffic is heavy or children are nearby. This classic, time-tested climbing rose is the perfect choice to train over a trellis or porch, or trim into a formal hedge. Plant in moist, well-drained, loamy soil. Zones 5-9.

Love these roses! They smell so good, thornless which means I can plant anywhere and not worry about people or dogs getting stuck. I interwove a sprig into my Grandmother's rosebush and the effect if beautiful! You will not be disappointed!

Zephirine Drouhin Rose

Deb from AZ wrote (March 11, 2013):

I planted this 20 years ago on the wall of my storage room in Mesa, AZ. Morning sun and afternoon shade. It was spectacular, vigorous, fragrant. Will try it here in Ely, NV, but suspect the harsh winter will kill it.

Beautiful in dappled shade!

Nancy from UT wrote (April 06, 2012):

This is the only rose I've ever seen that does well in open shade. I've planted it on a trellis in the space between two houses. It gets morning sun but shade the majority of the day. The rose has been in this spot for 15 years and it is thriving! When I open the windows on that side of the house, it fills the rooms with that wonderful old-rose fragrance! I am buying another to put on the other side of the house. I highly recommend this lovely rose.

LOVE this rose!

Sara from TX wrote (January 27, 2012):

This climbing rose smells soooo good. I recently moved and had to leave it, sadly. I will definitely order another one! Thornless--big plus!

The Jackson and Perkins Difference

Grown in California by the World’s Best Rose Professionals

California provides one of the finest rose-growing environments in the world. All of our roses are grown in soil that is tested and analyzed to ensure they are grown with the exact level of essential nutrients needed. The proper amounts of fertilizer, water, and nutrients are then added to the roses during their active growth cycle by our experienced rose growers.

Each rose is hand selected and prepared by seasoned professional rose growers. Our experienced growers are continually evaluating and testing the roses in the fields to ensure maximum rose health.

All of this tender loving care under the generous California sun results in a young but vigorously growing rose plant with a root system that is ready for fast blooming in your rose garden.

Exclusive and Superior Rose Breeding Process

Jackson and Perkins exclusive rose varieties have been bred to exhibit the most preferred rose characteristics for rose gardeners. It takes many years to develop a single rose variety, and our rose breeders have painstakingly evaluated, tested, and grown superior new genetic features into these new rose varieties for introduction.

The healthy rose plant canes are now hand groomed for the customers' garden presentation. The roses are then harvested at the perfect time in preparation for shipping and customer planting. All of these steps, from rose research, planting, budding, growing, harvesting and storing, are essential to ensure you receive a healthy, vigorous Jackson & Perkins rose plant, the WORLD’S FINEST ROSE.

What to Expect

Container roses should typically be planted in late spring and fall. They’re easy to plant (all you need is a trowel), and they provide instant gratification, as they aren’t dormant and will have buds within a few short weeks, if they don’t when they arrive. They’re also perfect for transplanting into containers and make an attractive gift.

Container roses are usually nicely leafed out, and may even have flowers on them, which is a great way for you to know when you purchase them what they’re going to look and smell like.

Container-Grown Rose Instructions

When your roses arrive, water them thoroughly.

Choose a well-drained location that recieves at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun each day. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the rootball. Mix the native soil with compost or other organic material and add superphosphates.

Gently loosen the rootball, place it into the hole so that the bud union sits 1 to 2 inches below soil level, and fill the hole with the remaining soil.

Water thoroughly, then mulch heavily around the base for winter protection. Your roses will arrive lightly pruned, so it is not imperative that you do any additional pruning before winter.

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